High Airline Prices Aren't Bad Enough, but Long Distance Flights:No Meal!

[helenk]

I just flew Air China to Beijing and back and we had 2 hot meals on our 12 hour flight, and the food was quite good. We also flew Air China from Beijing to Hong Kong, it was about a 3 and 1/2 hour trip and we got a hot meal on those flights as well.
They also had free pillows and blankets and the entertainment screens in the back of the seat.
Imagine my disappointment then when I flew Us Airways from Los Angeles, no meal which I knew ahead of time, but not even a movie.
It is a shame that the airlines here have gone so no frills. The air fare I paid was the same as United or Us Airways and those airlines allowed 1 free checked piece of luggage and Air China allowed 2, which I needed because I was taking clothes to my daughter who is living in China right now

 

[PinkBudgie]

We have a 5 hour flight on United. Meals can be purchased but I have a food allergy so I won't be doing that. Actually, I probably wouldn't want to anyway. I'm interested in suggestions for good meal ideas to bring considering you can't bring blue ice to keep something cool. Our flight leaves at 10am so I guess it will be lunch time.

 

[NancyIL]

We were on an 8-hour flight from Dallas to Honolulu on American in January. We were also surprised that there was nothing served to the passengers in coach on such a long flight. Fortunately for us, we were in first class, so we were fed.

 

[MillauFr]

I never understand the "outrage" over the fact that the airline didn't sever you inedible food. I travel a lot, and even on flights with meals I bring on my own food. Generally it wasn't cooked a week ago and is edible LOL!

Agree. People want the lowest price possible. Airline B could charge $5 more per round trip, give you free bags, meals, drinks, etc. Airline A that charged $5 less and gave you none of those things would still sell more tickets.

 

[jerseygal]

Airline prices are ridiculous, but I guess it is a "necessary evil" if you want to get somewhere!

Oh well, can't wait for BEAUTIFUL AULANI!

 

[Gracie09]

We have a 5 hour flight on United. Meals can be purchased but I have a food allergy so I won't be doing that. Actually, I probably wouldn't want to anyway. I'm interested in suggestions for good meal ideas to bring considering you can't bring blue ice to keep something cool. Our flight leaves at 10am so I guess it will be lunch time.

Frozen peas or grapes act as an ice pack.

 

[NancyIL]

Actually, we certainly do fly domestically as well as to Aruba and Nassau...
Strange, 11 1/2 flight to Hawaii no meal included, but flights to Caribbean or internationally, meals are included...

So where is the rationale? Certainly not based on number of hours of a flight...

Glad for you that Hawaiian Airlines still provides!

I think the rationale is domestic flight vs. international flight. Caribbean flights are international, but flights to Hawaii are not.

 

[jerseygal]

Thanks, would have never thought of that! Since the peas are "food" it is allowed on in carryon, versus blue type ice that I typically use in coolers...GREAT!

 

[wdwfan874]

Interestingly, Flights that the Part a international location flying back to the United States offer free meals. I suspect it's based more on rule of the departing country. For example Panama back to Houston Texas you'll get free food on the flight. But Houston, down to Panama you do not get food.
When I look at why US carriers flying domestically don't offer food in coach I think it breaks down to choices. People want to have a choice of having a lower fare, or a higher fare with some food. Free-market. Airlines in the US can do what they want. I don't think the opposite is true for airlines that operate in different countries. The government of other countries may mandate what they must do, and that might include serving meals if the flight is over atypical mealtime

 

[NancyIL]

Interestingly, Flights that the Part a international location flying back to the United States offer free meals. I suspect it's based more on rule of the departing country. For example Panama back to Houston Texas you'll get free food on the flight. But Houston, down to Panama you do not get food.

As I mentioned above - my American Airlines flight from Dallas to Honolulu (8 hours) didn't offer food in coach. On the other hand, a 7 hour 40 minute daytime flight on American Airlines from Chicago to London offers "breakfast snack or brunch," and the overnight flights offer dinner and breakfast.

 

[Ofinn]

Whenever I encounter the lack of meals on airplanes and see people carrying on their own Fast Food, I'm reminded of the skit on the old Carol Burnett show with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman flying and Tim Conway's doing "No frills", bring on his twinkles. Sorry, I don't know how to link, but I'm sure it's on you-tube. Carol Burnett is the flight attendant, and next thing you know, they'll whisper the flight safety spiel, just like she did.


Let's see if this link works-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCz8he36hsk

That video is hilarious.

 

[helenk]

Whenever I encounter the lack of meals on airplanes and see people carrying on their own Fast Food, I'm reminded of the skit on the old Carol Burnett show with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman flying and Tim Conway's doing "No frills", bring on his twinkles. Sorry, I don't know how to link, but I'm sure it's on you-tube. Carol Burnett is the flight attendant, and next thing you know, they'll whisper the flight safety spiel, just like she did.


Let's see if this link works-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCz8he36hsk

That is funny!. When the tire and jack fell out of the overhead it reminded me of my flight from Los Angeles, several people tried to put their luggage in the overhead where there was a huge box for the supplies for the toilet. Now it did not fall out but they were kind of annoyed that it took up so much space and they could not put their carry ons up in the overhead.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Frozen peas or grapes act as an ice pack.

Brilliant! I will keep that in mind!